Facade Project
Since my recent move, I've seen this from the "L" station every morning:
When I previously lived near that station I remember the building's unfinished facade and empty interior, awaiting a fit out to be turned into condos, I assumed. It sat that way for years, not surprisingly since it sits five feet from the tracks. Now the Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, who occupies the building's storefront, has installed The Facade Project: A commemorative work in progress.
I usually don't get into this sort of thing, but the interaction of the faces with the unfinished building -- as well as the sheer number of faces -- make it a powerful statement. From the photo above, it seems like the Collaborative should open the space to visitors to heighten the aesthetic and emotional experience.
When I previously lived near that station I remember the building's unfinished facade and empty interior, awaiting a fit out to be turned into condos, I assumed. It sat that way for years, not surprisingly since it sits five feet from the tracks. Now the Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, who occupies the building's storefront, has installed The Facade Project: A commemorative work in progress.
Each window on the upper three floors of the Collaborative building contains the faces of 9 of the US soldiers who have died in Iraq. Altogether, the piece shows the faces of 648 of the troops as a tribute and reminder.
I usually don't get into this sort of thing, but the interaction of the faces with the unfinished building -- as well as the sheer number of faces -- make it a powerful statement. From the photo above, it seems like the Collaborative should open the space to visitors to heighten the aesthetic and emotional experience.
I use to live near the western stop and so disappointed that those floors looked empty and lifeless with their Manufacturer stickers intact on the panes of glass. this looks much better. nothing like it in Lawrence, Kansas.
ReplyDeleteWow this is a powerful statement. What is it about buildings and the symbolic values we attach to them? Reminds me of a book I recently read entitled 'Building Lives - Constructing Rites and Passages' by Neil Harris. This book talks about the many rituals which we impose upon a building.
ReplyDeleteAnother sad point is that the building would need three times as many windows to show all the faces.
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